Folk Arts - Master Artist - Viengpheth Sengvilay

For hundreds of years, Nattasin Lao, the Lao national traditional dance, has been passed down through generations. Nattasin dance is extremely demanding: the costumes are intricately decorated and often hand-sewn, and the dance itself requires extensive practice. Through the Lao Highland Association of Seattle, Master Artist Viengpheth Sengvilay seeks to continue to pass nattasin dance on to her students. She also teaches other traditional dances—called Lao Huam Phao, "Lao ethnics unity"—of many Lao ethnic groups such as the Hmong, Mien, Khmhu, Kha, and Thaidam. Viengpheth’s apprentices performed for the Lao and Mien New Years, and in city, county, and state cultural celebration dances.

As a recipient of a 1998 Apprenticeship grant, Sengvilay taught her students Nattasin Lao dance. Many of Sengvilay’s students have been studying for many years and others have just begun. Apprentices often shared what they have learned not only with the public, performing for the community, but also with younger dancers at practice sessions.